in the afterlife are cleansing.
This is written. I see two
contradictions here. First, since
a soul must be pure to even
reach the fields, why would it
need cleansing? Second,
how does an impure soul
reach the cleansing fields
if it did not pass judgment?
Akua felt nearly satisfied with what he had written. After a little thought, he decided he wanted to make one more point and then close with a conclusion.
He could not stop thinking about how his life had taken a turn for the better. Living with Nefertet was something he dreamed about for so long. And Pamu was a blessing for himself and his wife.
I have been given an opportunity to write and, hopefully, add to the wisdom of the country. And if I can become king, I will be able to change the lives’ of many for the better. I want to do so much and I believe I have much to give.
He added the final words.
Finally, I have spent a lot
of time learning about the
Eternal Recurrence. Here
in Egypt, we know this as a
rebirth similar to Re’s Solar
journey every night. But
in Greece, it means even
more.
Judgment of a soul in Greek
philosophy is not as simple
as either continuing on or
being destroyed, as it is here.
Their judgment also determines
the status of the soul as it
lives on. So, a soul can
eternally recur as a tree, a
lion or a great philosopher.
To me, this is entirely illogical.
How can a soul with its
accumulated wisdom from
the former life, be demoted
to that of a rock or a wild animal?
Why would the gods punish
their child in this way?
In closing, my premise here
is that there is no judgment
when a soul leaves this world.
I believe the Eternal Recurrence
of our souls’ is a gift from the
gods. I certainly would not want
to be judged as to whether
or not I am worthy to live on.
Of course I’m worthy!
Satisfied with what was written, Akua gathered his son and his wife and walked outside to enjoy the sunset.
Chapter 15
Akua still could not believe he was consorting with Meehi.
I was so sure that Meehi was evil and he enjoyed causing me pain. Now I have learned the whole story. I’ve witnessed firsthand something that was not as it seemed. For as long as I live, I’ll never make this mistake again.
Akua timed his arrival at the Per Atum temple just right; Meehi had just completed his morning offerings.
“Hello Meehi. How have you been?”
Meehi wasted no time in escalating the conversation.
“I have plotted our course of action. Today, there will be a meeting in the House of Life. Six different nomarchs, from adjacent nome’s, will converge here with their own small entourage of scribes, priests and priestesses and other officials,” Meehi said.
“This gives you and me a perfect opportunity to seek justice. With many apprised of your rightful challenge, your chances of being treated fairly increase.”
People were already arriving. Within thirty minutes, nearly forty people entered the House of Life. Akua and Meehi were the last to enter.
Unlike the House of Life for the Nag Tamai temple, this one was large. The center room seated everyone around eight rectangular cedar tables.
Huya, the top scribe for the Per Atum temple began the meeting by announcing the agenda.
“First, each representative Overseer of the Treasury will report on taxes and tribute. Next, we will hear from the Overseers of Cattle and Granaries. Finally, concerns of militias and trades may be made. The vizier will, subsequently, take these to the royal administration.”
Meehi stood up abruptly and prepared to speak on Akua’s behalf. Akua immediately attempted to stop him by speaking just to him softly.
“Meehi, all of these fine people have traveled here not to learn about me, but to discuss administrative and jurisdictional issues. I think it would be best if we waited until the meeting is opened to other things.”
“Okay. But be prepared to sit through boring matters,” Meehi responded.
Within an hour, Akua fully realized what Meehi had told him. Instead of everyone just saying their piece, they went on about things that were not important.
The nomarch from Memphis was explaining how the wheat boats had a hard time navigating the cities’ river port. Akua understood how this could affect the amount of grain coming in, but the nomarch kept going on.
“The sands are filling up our docks. The flat bottom boats are not hampered so much by this, but the deeper hulled boats are. So, our granaries are low because we don’t have any flat-bottomed wheat boats. Therefore, we need to make a mandate that Memphite wheat boats be flat-bottomed from now on.”
Akua just had to say something.
“That’s the most asinine thing I have ever heard. Eventually, every part of the river except the main channel will become choked by sand. And then we would have to re-design every one of the deeper hulled boats. It’s a waste of money. This just makes no sense.”
Just about everyone in the room looked at Akua as he spoke. The nomarch from Memphis just stared at him with a puzzling look.
“The solution is to dredge those parts of the river just like Egypt has done for generations. Sedimentation of the river is just the way it is and we will have to keep dealing with it. Why should Memphis be any different?”
Everyone agreed with Akua, even the Memphite. From that point on, Akua was expected to comment on each issue. At the end of the formal agenda, Akua had earned respect from many of the attendees.
As soon as the meeting was opened to other matters, Meehi stood up. Akua felt a sinking sensation inside.
It’s my moment of truth. I hope this goes well.
“I have to voice an issue that is critical to the future of all Egypt. It concerns Akua.”
Those in the room listened enthusiastically. Meehi’s tactic was to blatantly expose the matter.
“Akua is the oldest heir to the king. He is not the heir by blood, but by marriage. It has up until now, been covered. Covered up for way too long.”
As Meehi expected, the room broke out into an uneasy tension. After about a minute of ramblings, the royal vizier silenced the room with a hand gesture.
“Akua, is this fact? Would you care to enlighten us? How come I have never heard of you?”
Akua sat as all eyes were on him. Slowly he rose.
“It is true. You have never heard of me because those in the highest places did not want you to.”
If the others in the room could not see Akua shaking, they certainly heard fear in his broken voice. But Akua knew that now was the time to speak out. Now was his time to shine.
“I was born here in Heliopolis twenty two years ago. My father was Satni-Khaman, a well-known tomb builder. Two years ago, he moved on to the afterlife.”
Akua remembered Lycan’s story, Giants of Ithaca. The ones in the House of Life were captivated just as the children in the Athenian Market were.
“My mother came to Heliopolis from Athens, Greece. Her father was the great Greek Mercenary Army General, Chabrias. Five years after Nectanabo became king, he helped to repel and defeat the Persians at Memphis. My mother’s name was Ptolemais. Back before Nectanabo became king, she married my father, Satni-Khaman.
“Chabrias was a good friend to Nectanabo, the new king. They fought battles together. And when Nectanabo usurped the throne, Chabrias gave him an extraordinary gift. He gave the king his daughter, my mother.
“Nectanabo forced my father to divorce my moth
er. After the divorce, he quickly married her. Sadly, she died from fever ten months later.”
After Akua spoke, the room remained silent. The vizier was the first to speak up.
“But you are twenty two now. Why did you not expose this sooner?”
“Because of an elaborate plan devised to keep me from knowing,” Akua answered.
To Akua’s surprise, Meehi, standing to his side, spoke.
“When Akua was a small child, I helped the king and the priesthood cover this up. Akua never knew what was his. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing. But now, I regret it. I’ve apologized to Akua, now I apologize to all of you and to our nation.”
After Meehi spoke, he sat back in his chair. Obvious to those in the room, the vizier did not know what to say. No one knew what to say.
“I have so much to give to our nation. I want to be given the chance to do so,” Akua said to the vizier.
“You expect me to make this right?” the vizier said.
Akua could see the compassion in his eyes. Finally the vizier finished his thought.
“I can’t.”
“And I don’t expect you to. But I want to tell each and every one of you that my situation reveals a supreme injustice. How can we ever become a just state, like Athens, if we don’t take a stand? Please understand me. Please take my case to the Royal Court to be heard,” Akua said.
“It won’t do any good. The king is the ultimate decision maker. Why would he change his stance all of the sudden? He chose to cover this up for a reason,” the vizier said.
Akua and Meehi said nothing, but slowly the others spoke on his behalf. Huya finally made a strong case to the vizier.
“It is true that we know very little about Akua. But he is a loyal member of the priesthood and a part of Egypt. We have all witnessed his intelligence. I think it is safe to say he is a good person. And vizier you do realize that his plight will begin to spread to the commoners as soon as this meeting is over, don’t you? And many of those will expect Ma’at to be allowed to resolve this. I don’t think you have a choice. You must voice this matter to the Royal Court.”
“You are right I suppose. Very well,” the vizier said reluctantly. “I will take this back with me, but I will not guarantee the court will hear it. But, rest assured, I’ll do my part.”
“Thank you,” Akua said.
“Then this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for coming,” the vizier said.
As everyone left, Meehi and Akua walked back to the temple. They were both encouraged and uneasy at the same time. (the next page is left blank intentionally)
Chapter 16
For three days after the meeting, Akua stayed home with his family. He spent the better part of each day thinking about and writing his second doctrine. Although this one was more difficult to write than his first, he still managed to complete it within three days.
The day after Akua’s literary work was finished, he decided to take his family out. Around midday, he gathered Nefertet and Pamu and headed for the main market in Heliopolis. The sun was beating down on them as they walked. The temperature was over 100 degrees. Although the heat was brutal, it was typical and they were used to it.
Akua and Nefertet marveled at Pamu’s eyes. His little eyes were wide open as he rested comfortably amongst Nefertet’s solar plexus. Akua was emotionally touched just witnessing Pamu’s taste for life.
The market was busy as usual. Nefertet wanted some fresh figs, so they headed toward one of about two dozen fruit and vegetable stands.
“I’ll take a dozen figs,” Akua said to the older man behind the crude facade.
Akua could tell from the earlier conversation with a customer that the man was talkative. The fruit seller asked Akua a question that seemed to come from nowhere.
“Have you heard of Akua-Mat?”
Akua and Nefertet looked at each other. It was a surprise to hear that. But Akua was pleasantly surprised to learn that Huya was right when he foretold of word spreading to commoners and merchants.
“No. Who is he?” Akua replied. He did not want to draw attention to himself.
“I’ve only heard from others here in the market that Akua-Mat is an ordinary priest. Not just any priest, but one with a powerful secret.”
“Oh?” Akua said.
“Yes. His family lineage traces to the royal family. I have heard from some that he has the favor of the gods to usurp and overthrow King Nectanabo and I have heard from others that he will cast a spell with the help of the gods to rip the king asunder and rule over us all.”
Akua and Nefertet smiled at each other. They knew the rumors were not accurate, but they were glad for the attention to what they saw as a very important matter.
“Wow! It will be interesting to see what unfolds,” Akua said to the man.
Akua and Nefertet walked the market for two more hours that day. They heard bits and pieces about Akua-Mat among other things. Although Akua never revealed his identity, he held his head high and was glad that his situation was now bigger than he was.
After Akua and his family left the market, they headed to the Per Atum temple. Akua wanted to find out if Meehi had heard from the vizier yet. Nefertet and Pamu stayed behind in the temple garden while Akua entered. Nefertet took Pamu to each tree and clump of flowers. This was something they both enjoyed.
“Have you heard from the vizier yet?” Akua asked Meehi as they stood in the Hypostyle Hall.
“No. He may be traveling back here from the capital. It will be interesting though to find out the king’s reaction,” Meehi said.
“Okay. Some in the marketplace already know about me. They may not know the truth, but they have the rumors.”
“Well Akua, I’m glad your story is getting attention regardless. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as I hear anything.”
“My wife and son are out back in the garden. Come and meet Pamu. He is a blessing from the gods,” Akua said.
Nefertet was standing beneath a fig tree with Pamu in her arms. Akua followed Meehi to where she stood.
“Our baby is named Pamu,” Nefertet said.
In a gesture of kindness, Meehi kissed Pamu on the forehead.
“He is beautiful. I’m sure that he will grow up strong in intellect and physical prowess like his father,” Meehi said.
Meehi returned quickly to the temple. Akua and Nefertet were in no hurry to return home so they took their time strolling through the garden.
*
In the capital city of Sais, Vizier Ankhu sought directly to converse privately with the king. With his status it was not difficult. He and the king adjourned to a private meeting room adjacent to the king’s quarters.
“Excellency, I have recently learned a disturbing fact. I learned this from the quarterly administration meeting in Heliopolis.”
The king was not impressed with the vizier’s words. Instead, he just looked at the vizier expecting to hear more.
“It concerns a priest in Heliopolis, Akua-Mat.”
“Do I know this priest?” King Nectanabo replied.
“I doubt it. But you may know of him. Do you recall your first wife?”
“Ptolemais. Although we were married for less than a year, she was my chief wife,” the king answered.
“I’ve met her son, the priest Akua. He was born to her from her first husband. Did you know there was a son when you married her?” Vizier Ankhu asked.
“No. It was kept from me. Chabrias never told me of such. Are you sure?”
The vizier and the king knew exactly what this meant. Akua was the firstborn to the king’s chief wife. Under Ma’at, Akua has a legitimate claim to succeed the throne without regard to the king’s other sons.
Vizier Ankhu had a feeling that the king was not telling the truth. He thought surely the king would have known about Akua and tried his best to keep it secret. But calling him on it was absolutely out of the question as it meant certain death.
“At the meeting, Akua spoke his
case with the help of the high priest Meehi-Akh. By now, news of Akua-Mat has spread throughout that part of The Dark Land.”
“Is the priest now vying to be a ruler?” Nectanabo asked.
“Yes he is. I was compelled by the meeting attendees to bring this matter before you. What do you want me to do?”
“By sundown I will have communed with the gods on this. Then I will let you know how to proceed. I would like to just assassinate this priest and wash my hands of this. But that would surely come back to me during the Weighing of the Heart after my death. I guess I have to deal with this.”
Vizier Ankhu left the room. Soon afterwards the king retired to the palace shrine to seek divine guidance. The shrine was as lavishly decorated as any temple. Only it’s altar and columns were on a smaller scale than those in the temples. King Nectanabo bowed in front of a small statue dressed in a short golden robe.
Oh, great Osiris! Please
tell me what to do.
The king remembered how he was going to have the child killed back when he first learned of him. He also remembered how Meehi-Akh, the young priest, advised against it. Meehi said that it would not please the gods. The king never believed Meehi and now he faced a problem that, in his eyes, should never have been allowed to fester and come to a head.
Great One, should I have
Akua and those involved
assassinated?
Immediately, the king remembered the words of Ankhu, By now, news of Akua-Mat has spread throughout that part of The Dark Land.
He knew that meant an assassination would lead to unrest, possibly even an uprising. He decided against it.
My Lord, should I give
Akua-Mat a tribunal?
Will that not appease
him and the commoners?
As King Nectanabo believed he was one with the gods, he envisioned the word yes in his mind. This meant that Osiris seemed to answer the king with a resounding yes to both questions.
I will oversee the tribunal. If this is the will of the gods, I will see it thru. Lest Akua be kept from ruling without undying support!
The Reed Fields Page 15
